headspace Ballarat

12/11/2025

Today marks the start of Trans Awareness Week!

Trans Awareness Week is a chance to celebrate the wonderful trans and gender diverse community. It's also the perfect, ideal time to educate ourselves and those around us about gender diversity, and the importance of being a trans ally.

Did you know 96% of trans young youth still experience harassment due to transphobia?

This week is a call to action for allies, now more than ever, your support and allyship matter.

Check out the following websites for more information:

https://www.minus18.org.au/articles/how-to-be-a-trans-ally/

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/gender-identity/

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/trans-resources/

https://www.minus18.org.au/campaigns/trans-awareness-week/

Trans Awareness Week is 13 to 19 November! Celebrate trans pride and learn how to be a trans ally. Get involved now!

05/11/2025

Interested in finding out more about Exam-time stress and anxiety?

Presented by REACHOUT on behalf of headspace's Ballarat's Family and Carer Peer Worker:

'Most of us will experience some level of anxiety when it comes to exams. It’s a normal response to what can be a pretty intense situation, and it can happen before, during and even after exams. You might find that exam anxiety can be motivating and helpful, or that it’s taking a big toll on your performance, mental health and wellbeing. Find out more about what exam anxiety is, learn practical tips for when it becomes too much, and check out how one student managed their experiences with panic attacks during exams.'

Most of us experience some level of exam anxiety. But sometimes it can become too much. Learn what exam anxiety is, what causes it, and some tips and strategies for getting on top of it.

03/11/2025

Please note that our centre is closed tomorrow, however we will reopen as normal on Wedensday at 9am.

If you find that tomorrow you or someone you know is in need of support, please consider the following supports:

headspace's 7 Tips for a Healthy headspace offer a number of day-to-day and achievable strategies to try to help you look after your health
https://headspace.org.au/tips/

For immediate supports for yourself or someone you know, please get in touch with:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Su***de Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

There are a number of things you can do to help you look after and maintain your mental health and wellbeing.

30/10/2025

Please note that our centre is closed today, however we will reopen as normal on Monday at 9am.
If you find that over tomorrow and the weekend, you or someone you know is in need of support, please consider the following supports:

headspace's 7 Tips for a Healthy headspace offer a number of day-to-day and achievable strategies to try to help you look after your health
https://headspace.org.au/tips/

For immediate supports for yourself or someone you know, please get in touch with:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Su***de Callback Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

There are a number of things you can do to help you look after and maintain your mental health and wellbeing.

26/10/2025

Hi, my name is Maddy! (she/her)

I am the new Centre Manager at headspace Ballarat, and I am thrilled to be joining such a passionate and dedicated team.

In my role, I oversee the day-to-day operations of the centre, supporting our staff to provide high-quality, youth-focused services. I’m committed to ensuring that headspace Ballarat continues to be a welcoming and inclusive space where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to take charge of their health and wellbeing.

What I enjoy most about working in this sector is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people and their families. It’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside a team that shares a genuine commitment to creating change and supporting our community’s wellbeing.

A bit about me — I’ve recently made the move from Mildura to Ballarat, and in my spare time I’ve been enjoying getting to know the local community and exploring everything the area has to offer with my partner and our dogs. We love heading out on bushwalks together and discovering new trails and hidden spots around the region.

I’m really looking forward to connecting with the Ballarat community and leading the amazing team at headspace to continue supporting young people in their journeys!

21/10/2025

Our centre will be closed tomorrow due to a staff event - we will be back open on Thursday from 9am.

Thanks for your understanding 💚

16/10/2025

Hi, my name is Bernie, and I’m a Sexual Health Nurse at Ballarat Community Health (B*H) and headspace with 36 years of nursing experience across Urology, Oncology, ICU, ED, and more.
It’s been an incredible journey!

I’m passionate about supporting both women’s and men’s health, and I’m committed to promoting cancer screening and education in breast health, testicular health, cervical screening, and bowel screening.

Some of the other things I can help with are assessing pregnancy risks, contraception advice, STI testing, blood-borne virus (BBV) risk assessment, vaccination, cervical screening tests (CSTs), Implanon insertion & removal, Cabenuva injections for our HIV community, informed consent education and medical monitoring for disordered eating.

After completing my Sexual Health training in 2016, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working in our GP clinics and the Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) over the past nine years, as well as providing services within headspace.

At headspace, I provide confidential, judgement-free sexual health services for young people aged 12–25. It’s a bulk-billed service, and we’re here to help you stay safe, informed, and empowered.

I look forward to supporting you in a relaxed and safe space at Ballarat Community Health & at headspace, helping you stay healthy, informed, and empowered to live your best life.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my hubby, my boys and their partners, my sweet dachshund Bonnie, and my fur grandies.
I also enjoy gardening, cooking, travel, and time with friends.

Come say hi at Ballarat Community Health and headspace Ballarat 👋

B*H bookings: https://www.hotdoc.com.au/medical-centres/lucas-VIC-3350/ballarat-community-health-doctors-clinics-sexual-health-clinic/doctors/nurse-bernie-6

headspace bookings: https://ballarat-ch.hothealth.com/appointments/new #2025-10-16

09/10/2025

It was great to have the CEO of headspace national visit Ballarat’s today. Hear from Jason and Youth Reference Group member, Taylah.

Happy headspace day everyone 💚

09/10/2025

Thanks to our YEP (Youth Employment Program) and our brand new partnership with FlipOut Ballarat, one of our young legends has just flipped into their very first job! 💚

Jessie is 17 years old and has been working with the YEP team for some time to help her find casual work whilst completing high school. Jessie loves working with kids and has a goal to make a career in childcare one day. She also loves gymnastics, so working at FlipOut was the perfect fit.

The YEP team heard about FlipOut coming to Ballarat and quickly introduced themselves to the owner Kunal to learn about the new venue and how we could help link him with fantastic motivated young people like Jess. Kunal immediately recognised that Jessie would be a great fit for his new squad and offered her a role as an attendant in the main arena.

This is more than a job – it’s the start of building confidence, independence and future opportunities. Kunal from FlipOut has already recognised Jessie’s love of gymnastics and ability to perform a backflip or two and has plans to help her upskill from Arena Attendant to Ninja Coach soon.

A huge thanks to FlipOut for opening doors, supporting local young people and giving them a chance to shine and thrive in the workforce.
If you’re an employer keen to connect with motivated young jobseekers, our IPS team would love to hear from you!

08/10/2025

TODAY is headspace Day! The theme - ‘make space’ 💚

Let’s make space for the things that matter to our mental health and wellbeing! It’s not about doing more, it’s about carving out time for what makes a difference in your life, no matter how big or small.

Come along to our centre at 28 Camp St from 10am, and get yourself a free tote bag to colour in, and take 10mins just for yourself!

We’ll also have a range of other resources available for you to take away as well!

Have a great headspace Day! 💚

08/10/2025

Meet Joanna Labbett 👋
Nurse Practitioner – Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health

Jo is passionate about supporting women to feel informed, respected, and confident when it comes to their health. Her focus is on removing stigma and improving access to compassionate, timely, and appropriate care for all.

She believes that everyone should have autonomy and choice in their healthcare journey. Whether that’s making decisions around pregnancy, contraception, or managing menopause. Jo also provides expert care in STI and BBV (blood-borne virus) screening and supports people experiencing pelvic pain with sensitivity and understanding.

At Ballarat Community Health, Jo’s approach is holistic and inclusive. She takes the time to listen and ensure every person receives the care that best suits their needs and circumstances.

Jo is available for bookings across three of our B*H sites, making it easier to access care at a location that suits you.

💜 Book an appointment with Jo today:
https://www.hotdoc.com.au/search?query=joanna%20labbett

07/10/2025

This headspace day, Thursday 9 October 2025!

Let’s make space for the things that matter to our mental health and wellbeing! It’s not about doing more, it’s about carving out time for what makes a difference in your life, no matter how big or small.

Come along to our centre at 28 Camp St from 10am, and get yourself a free tote bag to colour in, and take 10mins just for yourself!

We’ll also have a range of other resources available for you to take away as well! 💚